War in Iraq

The war in Iraq has hit an already depressed airline industry. In Minnesota Northwest airlines announced it's cutting 4,900 jobs and scaling back on flights. On the national scene U.S. Rep. James Oberstar has proposed a federal aid package to support the airlines. ( 03/25/2003)

About 200 protesters marched on the federal courthouse in downtown Minneapolis and blocked the entrances Tuesday as they demanded an end to the war in Iraq. At least 67 protesters were arrested by police and held on city buses after they refused to move from the doors in the back of the building. (03/25/2003)

U.S. Marines, still fighting at Nassiriya, bombarded the southern Iraqi city with artillery Monday afternoon. "We can see impact flashes in the city," Reuters correspondent Sean Maguire said from a position to the south of the city, the key to opening a second route across the Euphrates river and north to Baghdad. Live, updated news coverage. ( 03/24/2003)

Continuing coverage of the war in Iraq with a special from National Public Radio. With U.S.-led forces closing in on Baghdad, a composed Saddam Hussein tried to rally his people and his troops with a stirring address Monday in which he vowed that allied forces would be crushed and "victory will be ours soon." In Washington, a senior U.S. official speaking on condition of anonymity said U.S. intelligence had determined that Saddam's speech was recorded. However, it is unclear when it was taped - hours or weeks before the strikes. ( 03/24/2003)

President is meeting with congressional leaders to discuss paying for the war. The president is estimating $70-90 billion, and that doesn't include money for securing and rebuilding Iraq after the end of hostilities. On Friday, the Senate voted to trim $100 billion from President Bush's proposed $726 billion tax cut package to help pay for the war. MPR Morning Edition host Perry Finelli talked with Minnesota's two U.S. senators, Republican Norm Coleman and Democrat Mark Dayton. (03/24/2003)

The Bush administration unveiled a blueprint for the reconstruction of Iraq, calling it the most massive rebuilding since the Marshall Plan after World War II. Where will the financing come from and which countries will be involved? ( 03/24/2003)

One casualty of the war in Iraq could be the system of global alliances that has governed the world since World War II. How possible will it be to mend fences with countries opposed to the war with Iraq? ( 03/24/2003)

Several thousand people gathered at the state Capitol on Saturday for a "Support the Troops" rally. Many of the demonstrators carried American flags and signs showing their support for the war in Iraq. However rally organizers say it was not a pro-war demonstration. They say it was a way to show the men and women fighting in the Persian Gulf that their work is appreciated. (03/22/2003)

Northwest Airlines plans to lay off about 4,900 employees as a result of the war in Iraq, the airline said Friday. Northwest said it was taking the move as it reduces its system-wide flight schedule by about 12 percent and idling 20 planes. (03/21/2003)

The United States launched a long-awaited massive aerial campaign against Iraq on Friday, U.S. officials said. ( 03/21/2003)

Governor Pawlenty opened Minnesota's new operations emergency center by saying that the state does not face specific terrorist threats. Minnesota officials are taking precautions and asking people to report suspicious activity. ( 03/21/2003)

About 5,000 people turned up for an anti-war rally and march Thursday night in downtown Minneapolis. The long line of protesters opposing the war with Iraq snaked through the streets, tying up traffic for about three hours. (03/21/2003)

Minnesota's emergency operations center is up and running for the first time since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Shortly after the U.S. began the war against Iraq, Gov. Tim Pawlenty ordered the center to begin operating. Pawlenty says Minnesota is prepared to deal with any potential terrorist threats, although he emphasized that there are no specific threats targeting the state (03/20/2003)

Anti-war protesters blocked morning traffic in Washington, San Francisco and Philadelphia and chanted "no blood for oil" outside the White House on Thursday in reaction to U.S. military strikes against Iraq. (03/20/2003)

The Pentagon assessed the damage Thursday from its initial strikes against targets in Iraq and primed for a broader assault involving 300,000 U.S. and coalition forces. The war's opening salvos were aimed directly at Iraq's leaders, including Saddam Hussein. Commanders relied on more than 40 cruise missiles launched from Navy ships and submarines in the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea, and 2,000-pound precision-guided bombs dropped by Air Force stealth fighter jets, military officials said. Updated news about the war in Iraq. ( 03/20/2003)